Teacher Licensure in Secondary Social Studies

We prepare teachers to educate all students and advance educational equity. Our students learn specific methods to meet the needs and interests of all students in today’s diverse classrooms.

The undergraduate licensure program in secondary social studies prepares students to lead in the classroom with a deep commitment to equity and justice. Â鶹ÒùÔº interesting in teaching can pair their major and content area with teacher licensure programs in the School of Education. Our students examine how centering the themes of power, privilege and positioning; culture and diversity; and professional identity affect teaching and learning.

  • Understand the complexities of educational equity 
  • Be prepared to teach secondary English in Colorado
  • Join a program dedicated to democracy, diversity, equity and justice

Join a community of students who are agents of change and advocates on behalf of all students

Gain hands-on teaching and practicum experience with over 800 hours in local public secondary school classrooms

Top 25 university worldwide in education, among 500 international schools of education

(ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking, 2019)

Be successful.

Make a difference in the lives of students and future generations with teaching practices grounded in research and centered on equitable learning.

 
$61,600

Median salary of secondary school teachers

(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019)

 

Be prepared to teach social studies in secondary (7–12) schools in Colorado upon graduation

 

100% of our recent graduates surveyed were employed within 6 months

(2016 Graduate Destination Survey)

 

Academic Plan & Requirements

The undergraduate teacher licensure program is designed for current CU Boulder undergraduates in a college or school outside of the School of Education. Â鶹ÒùÔº are admitted into the program as first-years, sophomores or juniors and complete both content area major and teacher licensure requirements simultaneously. 

Juniors and seniors interested in the teacher licensure are encouraged to consider applying to the one-year, intensive MA+ teacher licensure program.

We recommend that undergraduate students interested in the secondary social studies licensure program declare one of the following majors as an efficient, content-centric pathway:

  • Anthropology
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • History
  • International affairs

To be eligible for licensure upon graduation, students must:

  • Successfully complete all academic and field experience requirements
  • Pass a state-approved licensure exam
  • Complete student teaching

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

Be inspired.

The School of Education has many alumni across the nation helping to advance democracy, diversity, equity and justice within communities and educational settings.

Anisah Spahn

BA elementary education
Anisah Spahn worked as a learning assistant in the School of Education and as an undergraduate student ambassador. After graduation, she became a teacher resident at Denver Green School and is working toward a graduate degree in communication sciences and disorders.  

Meredith Nass

BAM in ethnic studies and education
A native of Durango, Meredith Nass has used her degree to help address critical questions about world injustices and how educators and community leaders can become transformative educators and policymakers. Nass works for the School of Education as the student coordinator and is a community organizer through the Coalition to Expand Voting Rights in Boulder. 

Garrett Cease

MA in curriculum and instruction plus teacher licensure in English education
Garrett Cease graduated from CU Boulder with a double major in English and philosophy, and then returned to complete a School of Education master’s degree in curriculum and instruction while gaining teacher licensure in English education. As both a sixth grade teacher and an enthusiast for meditation, yoga, rock climbing and skiing, Cease practices his wellness techniques in the classroom to help guide his teaching and students. 

Andrés Martínez

MA in educational equity and cultural diversity
After spending 23 years as a social studies teacher at Thornton High School, Andrés Martínez decided to continue his professional career with a master’s degree. While earning his MA, Martínez was integral at advancing the Seal of Biliteracy initiative for his school district, Adams 12. He also proposed teaching ethnic studies at his school, with hopes of that becoming an official part of the school’s curriculum.